The 2001 Governor’s Artist Award recipient is Melvin Dickinson, a Kentucky conductor and music administrator with a lifetime of achievement in the arts.

Melvin founded the Louisville Bach Society almost 40 years ago and continues as its conductor. He also handles production functions and administrative duties from his home. These contributions and his tireless dedication have enriched audiences and musicians statewide.

After completing studies at the University of Kentucky, Melvin spent two years studying the works of Johann Sebastian Bach in Germany as a Fulbright Scholar. He then returned to Kentucky and established his first Bach group at the Church of the Ascension in Frankfort in 1960. With the founding of the Louisville Bach Society four years later, he created an arts organization that serves its patrons and strongly emphasizes education with concerts geared specifically for schoolchildren. Melvin recently retired as a full-time faculty member at the University of Louisville.

Program 439

Profiles five recipients of the 2001 Governor’s Awards in the Arts, given each year to honor Kentucky individuals, businesses, and organizations that make outstanding and significant contributions to the arts in Kentucky. (#439)